¿Qué Tal, Bolivia?: I don't have a parasite but..........

November 24, 2014

..... But I do have bacteria in my stomach.....

DON`T FREAK OUT MOM! I am okay. Breathe. Relax. I am totally fine. I am still working as normal.

Here is the story....

So I was still feeling a little funky this past Thursday, so I called Hermana Hansen and she told me to go to the clinic. Friday morning, we went and saw apparently the best doctor that they have in Cochabamba. She had me do a few tests... blood, pee, etc. and she put me on this really bland diet until this morning. I literally can only eat grilled chicken, rice, crackers, matè, and cooked veggies. So yeah... I pretty much have only been eating rice, chicken, and crackers since Thursday. And it was good that I went to the doctor, because that night I literally felt like I had the plague. I felt like someone was taking my intestines and twisting them and squeezing them! Horrible. But I really do feel better today. I only feel sick when I have to drink coca cola or eat greasy foods. My pension is being very nice to me.

So today, we went to the doctor and she read on the results that I just have some bacteria in my stomach and my intestines are a little inflamed. WELCOME TO COCHABAMBA! No, it`s fine. So she has me on this diet for another week, and also put me on some medicine. I go back tomorrow morning for some sort of scan on my stomach? I don’t rememebr what it is called.

I told you this, MOM, so you would know. NOT SO YOU WOULD FREAK OUT. I feel perfectly fine when I don`t eat gross foods. And I should be all better by the next time I write you.

So yeah. It has been a CRAZY week. Probably the craziest week of my life. But I feel really happy, and really ready to work extra hard.

- We had an awesome zone conference this past week, and I really felt the Spirit. I felt a true determination to work as hard as I can.

- We are teaching this really cool kid named Pedro, and last Tuesday he asked us... "Can I be baptized this Sunday?" WUT..... uhhhh we were shocked. All he has to do is go to church 3 times, and then he can get baptized. I was blown away. We watched a talk given this last conference by the prophet, and he told us that he believed every word that he said. COOL.

- Mom... I AM GETTING YOUR LETTERS. So please keep sending them because they are always a surprise to me, and they always seem to come when I need them most.

- Oh.... HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Now you are all on vacations, right??? What are you going to do for Thanksgiving! PLEASE EAT ALL THE GRANDMA GRAVY, CHEESECAKE, and CINNAMON ROLLS FOR ME.

- Mom, you gotta tell Stan and Joan that I met someone that leaves for Stanley`s mission in two weeks! I am going to send a package for him with this future elder.

- I want you all to read the conference that Utchdorf gave during the women`s session of conference. I printed it out this past week, and it is really amazing. yes, it is directed towards girls, but it has a really great message for everyone. KYLE AND KAYLA I WANT YOU TO READ THIS. That is your homework during your vacation, you lucky ducks....

It was a very crazy week, but I learned so much.

Remember how we do an I’m Grateful for... during Thanksgiving? Well this is mine...

I am eternally gratefulf or each and every one of you. You really have no idea the impact that you have all had in my life. Thank you for your testimonies, your examples, your friendship, and your faith. Thank you for always making me smile. I am so grateful for my mom and dad, who always have supported me. I am here on the mission because of your examples. My parents are my heroes, and have always taught me do to what is right. I am grateful for Keith and his work ethic. He works so hard, and he is truly a great example to me. Sometimes, during the day, I think to myself... "What would Keith do in this situation?" I am grateful for Rhiannon and her FOOD. Hahahah And her love for everyone. She has such wisdom. LIKE GANDALF! Every word she speaks is like true wisdom. I am grateful for Kyle and his sweet spirit. He is truly what Heavenly Father calls the pure in heart. I am grateful for Kayla. She is my best friend. I am grateful for her crazy personality. She is always so happy and willing to laugh. I am grateful for Emilee, and that she is a part of our family. I miss when she sings Frozen songs like ten thousand times a day.

I AM GRATEFUL FOR ALL OF YOU READING THIS! Which is probably my mom and some of my aunts.

I am grateful for my extended family and their constant love and support for me.

HAPPY THANKSGIVING! FELIZ DÎA DE GRACIAS!

LOVE

HERMANA ROUTSONG